As demonstrated, the warmest months are January and February, the wettest months are April and May, the coolest months are June and July, and the driest months are August and September. These generalizations about Moshi’s weather also apply to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro does not see significant temperature fluctuations from season to season due to its proximity to the equator. Instead, the height and time of day play a larger role in determining the temperature on Mount Kilimanjaro. The typical temperature at the start of the ascent, at the base of the mountain, is roughly 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). As you progress through Mount Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones, the temperature will drop.
Temperatures at the top, Uhuru Point, can drop to 20 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit during night (-7 to -29 degrees Celsius). Mount Kilimanjaro develops its own weather due to its immense height. It is highly unpredictable and impossible to forecast. As a result, you should always be prepared for wet days and cold nights, regardless of when you climb.
Weather conditions can make things more difficult. Climbers should be prepared to journey in all forms of weather, including fog, rain, and snow, as well as all types of terrain, including loose, dusty, muddy, wet, snowy, and ice conditions. Every campsite has “long drop” public restrooms.
They are essentially wooden constructions erected around a large hole cut into the earth. In the public restrooms, there are no commodes. In a standing or squatting position, you release yourself in a hole dug into the bottom of the cabin. Due to the large number of visitors on Kilimanjaro, these public restrooms see a lot of use and can become quite filthy.
All of our climbs offer private restrooms. A plastic toilet and a privacy tent make up a private toilet. On the mountain, there are no shower facilities.
Kilimanjaro Day pack Weight Limit
The duffel bag’s weight restriction is 15 kg. The duffel bag will be carried by the porters from one campsite to the next. Separate and waterproof your gear using plastic bags or dry bags. Each morning, you will be expected to pack your daypack and duffel bag. It’s worth noting that a backpack can be used instead of a duffel bag. A duffel bag is popular because porters bundle the bag with other items and carry the burden on their heads.
The Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 tent is designed to withstand the harshest alpine conditions. Trango 3 tents are regular issue on mountaineering excursions all over the world for sophisticated basecamp shelters. Two climbers and their gear will fit comfortably in each three-person tent. With a spacious entryway, two doors, and internal mesh pockets, the interior floor space is 48 square feet. The Trango 3 is a totally waterproof tent with welded edges and fully taped seams.
All climbers are given a 1.5-inch foam sleeping pad. These handmade sleeping pads outperform any commercially supplied sleeping pad. Even for individuals who aren’t used to camping, they are thick, warm, and cozy. The pad is kept clean by being placed inside a washable cover.
On location in Tanzania, Mountain Hardwear Lamina -30F sleeping bags are available for hire. These synthetic sleeping bags are designed to increase loft and eliminate chilly spots in the winter. The water-repellent nylon shell repels water, while the moisture-wicking polyester inner keeps weary climbers dry and toasty.
The Lamina is long enough to accommodate someone 6′ 6″ tall, weighs 5 lbs 14 oz., and has a temperature rating of -30F (-34C), making it more than adequate for Kilimanjaro’s frigid nights. They are washed after each use and are only rented for a brief time before being withdrawn from the rental inventory.
Cultivated Zone/Bushland
The elevation ranges from 2,600 to 6,000 feet (800 to 1,800 m)
Precipitation ranges between 20 to 70 inches (500 to 1,800 mm)
The bushland climatic zone, which is a half-mile or more above sea level, is the lowest elevation climate zone. This zone is characterized by cultivated soil, grasslands, and densely inhabited human settlements.
The region was formerly covered in natural bush, prairies, and lowland woods. This location, however, is perfect for agriculture because it is rich in fertile volcanic soil. The Chaga people settled on these lower slopes to grow a variety of commodities, including coffee and tropical fruits, which are highly prized. Underground tunnels crawling through the earth from the lush rainforest nestled above irrigate the gardens.
Rainforest Zone
6,000 to 9,200 feet in altitude (1,800 to 2,800 m)
Precipitation ranges from 79 to 40 inches (2,000 to 1,000 mm)
The rain forest receives six to seven feet of rain every year and is teeming with life. Warm temperatures and excessive humidity characterize this thickly forested climatic zone during the day. Rainy nights, on the other hand, can bring temperatures down to dangerously low levels. Climbers should have their rain gear with them to protect themselves from the frequent rains.
The rain forest provides the most diverse range of options for viewing rare African flora and fauna. Orchids, ferns, sycamore figs, olive trees, and palms dripping with hanging mosses are among the plants found here. Camphorwood trees can reach up to 130 feet in the canopy, grabbing for sunshine. A colorful mix of sounds emanates from the rich array of birdlife, while blue and Colobus monkeys gallivant through the treetops, loudly inviting partners.
Climbers climbing the summit by the Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, or Northern Circuit routes may be fortunate enough to see elephants, buffalo, antelope, and the occasional predator scavenging for a stray meal.
Heath and Moorland Zone
The elevation ranges from 9,200 to 13,200 feet (2,800 to 4,000 m)
Precipitation ranges from 51 to 21 inches (1,300 to 530 mm)
This semi-alpine zone, often known as moorland, is characterized by heath-like vegetation and an abundance of wildflowers.
The heath zone, according to mountain medicine, is in the “high altitude” region. Some climbers may experience the initial signs of acute mountain sickness. Most of our clients sensibly opt to stay at this altitude for many days to gradually acclimate to the lower oxygen levels and greater elevations to come.
The heat and dense forest surroundings begin to give way to drier air and cooler temps as we climb higher. The vegetation thins out to smaller bushes such as heather, while animals become increasingly sparse. The unusual and iconic Senecios (also known as groundsels) and Giant Lobelias are the most noticeable flora.
The enormous Senecios and Lobelia seen on Mount Kilimanjaro are indigenous to the area. The Senecios feature thick worn stems topped with big, succulent rosettes, which translates to “old man” in Latin. Lobelias are irregularly shaped palm trees with rosettes that close in the nights to protect themselves from the cold night temperatures.
The highly recognizable black and white crows that forage around camp are the most numerous birds seen in the heath zone. Large birds of prey, such as the crowned eagle and the lammergeyer, occasionally soar overhead.
Here are the current weather conditions for Mount Kilimanjaro’s heath zone.
Alpine Desert Zone
The elevation ranges from 13,200 to 16,500 feet (4,000 to 5,000 m)
10 in. of precipitation (250 mm)
Because the alpine desert receives very little precipitation, it has sparse vegetation. During the day, the temperature can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the thin air and proximity to the equator, solar radiation is extremely high. It is imperative that you use a lot of sunscreens. Temperatures frequently drop below freezing during the night, leaving a dusting of morning frost on the tents. This zone falls under the category of “very high altitude” in mountain medicine. Climbers should spend a few days here for optimal acclimatization.
Our recommended routes encourage clients to “climb high, sleep low,” reducing the negative impacts of altitude.
Most plant and animal species find this dry zone unpleasant because of the shallow soil that absorbs little water. Everlastings, tussock grasses, and several moss species are among the principal plant species that can tolerate such extreme conditions. Occasionally, creatures that appear on the moorland will wander to these heights, but this is extremely rare. The alpine desert zone of Mount Kilimanjaro’s current weather conditions may be found here.
Arctic Zone
5,000+ m (16,500+ ft) altitude
4 in. of precipitation (100 mm)
The arctic zone is the penultimate section of the Kilimanjaro ascent. It’s like finding a swath of rainforest in the middle of an Arctic glacier to find a place like this in Africa’s equatorial belt. There is almost no plant or animal life at this height, which is characterized by ice and rock. The slopes that were once hidden by the rapidly melting glaciers visible from Kilimanjaro’s crater rim are now covered in glacial silt. The nights are bitterly cold and windy, while the unbuffered sun shines brightly during the day.
This zone is classified as “extreme altitude” by mountain medicine. Breathing is slow and difficult because oxygen levels are about half of what they are at sea level. At these elevations, climbers are likely to face varied degrees of altitude-related discomfort. To counteract this, we strive to limit our time spent here. Before AMS can worsen, we ascend and descend quickly.
Clean Drinking Water on Mount Kilimanjaro
Aquatabs® water purification tablets are used to cleanse water collected from alpine streams. Because water is only available at the campsites, you’ll need to bring enough water to remain hydrated on your trip, which is normally around 3 liters. You might wish to bring some “comfort” items like sweets, gum, chocolate, health bars, or powdered energy drinks with you. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated. Please contact us if you have a particular diet and we can discuss what we can and cannot accomplish. Because the food variety in Tanzania is limited, we will make every effort to please all of our guests. However, in some situations, guests will be required to bring specific food items to us, which our cooks will prepare
